(a) The board, upon consultation with and approval of the council, shall establish and maintain a system for the protection, collection, and dissemination of health care facility acquired infection data.
(b) The health care facility acquired infection data collection, and dissemination shall become operational within 12 months after the State Health Officer certifies to the Governor in writing that the department has sufficient funds to finance its development, implementation, and operation.
(c) The department may contract for any services needed to carry out the provisions of this article.